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2004 ArtServe Michigan
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The Grand Rapids Ballet Company enjoyed a record-breaking 55 performances in 2003 by staging such original productions as a blend of Shakespeare’s Midsummer’s Night’s Dream and Mendelssohn’s romantic melodies, punctuated by modern jazz riffs. The Ballet routinely combines innovations like pliés and banjo licks, often in unconventional costuming. Theirs is an inspiring tribute to the flexibility of performance while steadfastly dedicated to “lifting the human spirit through the art of dance.” The Grand Rapids Ballet Company (GRBC) is pivoting on thirty-three seasons of steady professional growth, a commitment to excellence and the enthusiasm of an appreciative community. In 1998, GRBC appointed Emmy-nominated choreographer Gordon Peirce Schmidt as artistic director and Laura Berman as associate artistic director. In six years, more than 30 world premieres have resulted with the main stage productions reaching more than 20,000 patrons each season. Their talents center around Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall as well as GRBC’s Dancers’ Theatre Series in Studio A and numerous benefit performances and statewide tours. Begun in 1971 as the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet under founding director Sally Seven, a merger in 1983 with the Summerfest School of Grand Rapids further developed professional dancers and regional status. The expansion eventually led to the renovation of a former bus terminal, providing a 20,000 square-foot facility anchored around ballet. “It is inspiring to know that the Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s artistic contributions are an important and valued part of our state’s connection between culture and community,” said Schmidt. Schmidt added that through the visibility of the governor’s award, GRBC hopes to reach more Michigan citizens with the company’s unique programming. Currently featuring 14 full-time dancers, GRBC’s associated school has 250 enrolled students who receive instruction from experienced professionals. Community outreach programs weave an ongoing connection to the arts with the foundation of education and secure the vested interest of performers as well as eager acceptance from GRBC’s surrounding area. Annual dance treats include the traditional The Nutcracker during the holidays, and an invigorating spring show. Can-Can is slated for March, 2005.
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